Simulator with enhanced depth perception

ABSTRACT

A simulator system includes a user tracking device for detecting a position of a user and generating a sensor signal representing the position of the user, a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and generating an image signal in response to the analysis of the sensor signal, wherein the analyzing of the sensor signal includes determining a position of a virtual camera corresponding to the position of the user, the virtual camera being directed toward a reference look-at-point; and a image generating device for receiving the image signal and generating an image in response to the image signal, wherein the image is modified in response to the position and an orientation of the virtual camera relative to the reference look-at-point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/184,127 filed Jun. 4, 2009, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to simulators for sports related activities. More particularly, the invention is directed to a simulator system and a method for providing an enhanced depth perception to a user of the simulator system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various arrangements are used for simulating the playing of a game of golf in small areas, such as indoors, to provide opportunities for people to play who might not otherwise be able to play because of crowded golf course conditions or because of bad weather. In addition, such golf simulators can simulate play on various famous golf courses not otherwise accessible to the players.

Most golf simulation equipment includes at least three components: a central control unit which keeps track of play and calculates ball travel and lie, a sensor unit which senses how a ball is hit to enable the control unit to calculate the trajectory and resulting lie of the hit ball, and a projection unit for projecting an image showing the green to which the ball is to be hit from the location of the ball. Because the equipment senses how a ball is hit and the distance and direction of travel of the ball, such equipment could also be adapted to simulate various other sport games, such as baseball or soccer, or at least various practice aspects thereof.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,150,825 and 4,437,672 show a type of golf simulation game. In the game of the patents, one to four players initially enter information into the control unit regarding the players and the men's, women's, or championship tees from which each will play, and the particular course and holes to be played, e.g., the front nine, back nine, etc. The control unit then operates a display to show who is to tee off and operates a projector to project an image on a screen in front of the players showing the view toward the green from the tee.

A player hits a ball from the tee toward the green as he or she would on a regular golf course. The ball moves toward and makes contact with the screen which is specially designed for that purpose and is usually located about twenty feet in front of the player. Special sensors in the form of photosensor arrays are arranged to detect passage of the ball through three separate sensing planes, the third plane being positioned with respect to the screen so as to sense the ball's movement toward the screen and also the ball's rebound from the screen. With the information from the sensors, the ball's trajectory can be calculated and the position at which the ball lands along the fairway can be determined relatively accurately. The control unit keeps track of each player's ball and the position at which it landed. After all players have teed off, the control unit determines which player's ball is farthest from the hole and causes operation of the projector to move to and project an image on the screen showing the view from the position of the farthest ball looking toward the green. The player again hits his or her ball toward the green shown on the screen and again the trajectory of the ball is calculated and the new position along the fairway determined. The control unit then again determines the farthest ball from the hole, displays the name of the player, and instructs the projector to provide the new appropriate image. The identified player then hits his or her ball. Play is continued in this manner until all players reach the green. At that time, a simulated green is lighted and the players actually putt the ball into a hole in the simulated green.

However, current simulators provide an image on a planar screen. The image has a minimal sense of dimension due to the conventional limitations of creating a perception of depth on a two-dimensional screen.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop a simulator system and a method for providing enhanced depth perception to a user of the simulator system, wherein the simulator system and the method provide an individualized perception of depth based on a position of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Concordant and consistent with the present invention, a simulator system and a method for providing enhanced depth perception to a user of the simulator system, wherein the simulator system and the method provide an individualized perception of depth based on a position of the user, has surprisingly been discovered.

In one embodiment, a simulator system comprises: a user tracking device for detecting a position of a user and generating a sensor signal representing the position of the user; a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and generating an image signal in response to the analysis of the sensor signal, wherein the analyzing of the sensor signal includes determining a position of a virtual camera corresponding to the position of the user, the virtual camera being directed toward a reference look-at-point; and an image generating device for receiving the image signal and generating an image in response to the image signal, wherein the image is modified in response to the position and an orientation of the virtual camera relative to the reference look-at-point.

In another embodiment, a simulator system comprises: a plurality of user tracking devices arranged to track a position of a user and generate a sensor signal representing the position of the user; a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and generating an image signal in response to the analysis of the sensor signal, wherein the analyzing of the sensor signal includes determining a position of a virtual camera corresponding to the position of the user, the virtual camera being directed toward a reference look-at-point; and a image generating device for receiving the image signal and generating an image in response to the image signal, wherein the image is modified in response to a change in at least one of the position and an orientation of the virtual camera relative to the reference look-at-point.

The invention also presents methods for providing enhanced depth perception to a user of a simulator.

One method comprises the steps of: providing a user tracking device to detect a position of a user and generating a sensor signal representing the position of the user; analyzing the sensor signal to determine a position of a virtual camera corresponding to the position of the user, the virtual camera being directed toward a reference look-at-point; and generating an image in response to the analysis of the sensor signal, wherein the image is modified in response to a change in at least one of the position and an orientation of the virtual camera relative to the reference look-at-point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view representation of a simulator system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the simulator system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a simulator system 10 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the simulator system 10 includes a display screen 12, a plurality of user tracking devices 14, 16, a plurality of light sources 18, 20, 22, a plurality of object tracking devices 24, 26, 28, a projector 30, and a processor 32. It is understood that any number of projector screens, user tracking devices, the light sources, object tracking devices, projectors, and processors may be used. It is further understood that any specific positioning of the user tracking devices 14, 16, the light sources 18, 20, 22, the object tracking devices 24, 26, 28, the projector screen 12 (or screens) and other equipment is not limited by the drawings. Other configurations and relative positioning can be used.

The display screen 12 is positioned to receive an image from the projector 30. It is understood that the display screen 12 may have a size and shape. However, the display screen 12 is typically formed from a substantially smooth material and positioned to create a substantially flat resilient surface for withstanding an impact and absorbing the energy of a moving sports object (e.g. a golf ball or a baseball).

As shown, each of the user tracking devices 14, 16 is a tracking camera in communication with the processor 32. The user tracking devices 14, 16 are positioned such that a collective field of view of the user tracking devices 14, 16 covers a pre-defined field of activity 34 where user activity generally occurs. However, it is understood that any other means of tracking a position of the user may be used, such as an accelerometer/gyroscopic system, a transponder systems, a sonic/sonar systems, and structured light/machine vision techniques known in the art, such as marked attire (e.g. light emitting diode markers) or projected grid or line patterns, for example. In certain embodiments, the user wears an object such as a hat with one or more markers (e.g. dots or other shape or pattern). As such, the markers are detected by the user tracking devices 14, 16 as the user enters the field of activity 34 and tracked as the user moves within a field of vision of the user tracking devices 14, 16.

The light sources 18, 20, 22 may be any device or system for illuminating at least the field of activity 34 where user activity occurs. It is understood that in certain embodiments, the user tracking devices 14, 16 may require a particular light source to provide reliable tracking of the position of the user. It is further understood, that the light sources 18, 20, 22 may provide aesthetic features to further enhance a simulated experience for the user.

The object tracking devices 24, 26, 28, are positioned to track a motion of any object such as sports implements used in golf, tennis, and baseball for example. The object tracking devices 24, 26, 28 are typically high speed cameras for tracking at least a speed, a direction, and a spin of a moving object. As a non-limiting example, object tracking devices 24, 26, 28 are similar to the 3Trak® high-speed photography technology used in simulators manufactured by aboutGolf Ltd. (Maumee, Ohio). However, other object tracking devices can be used, as appreciated by one skilled in the art.

The projector 30 is positioned to project an image onto the display screen 12. It is understood that a plurality of the projectors 30 may be used to provide a panoramic or a surrounding image. The projector 30 is adapted to receive an image signal from the processor 32 to create and modify the image projected on the display screen 12. It is understood that other displays can be used to generate an image based upon the image signal.

The processor 32 is in data communication with the user tracking devices 14, 16 for receiving a sensor signal therefrom, analyzing the sensor signal, and generating the image signal in response to the analysis of the sensor signal. As a non-limiting example, the processor 32 analyzes the sensor signal based upon an instruction set 36. The instruction set 36, which may be embodied within any computer readable medium, includes processor executable instructions for configuring the processor 32 to perform a variety of tasks and calculations. As a non-limiting example the instruction set 36 includes processor executable algorithms and commands relating to image processing, spatial representation, geometrical analysis, three-dimensional physics, and a rendering of digital graphics. It is understood that any equations can be used to model the position of at least a portion of the user. It is further understood that the processor 32 may execute a variety of functions such as controlling various settings of the user tracking devices 14, 16, the light sources 18, 20, 22, the object tracking devices 24, 26, 28, and the projector 30, for example. In certain embodiments, the processor 32 includes a software suite for tracking a movement and trajectory of an object in the field of activity 34.

As a non-limiting example, the processor 32 includes a storage device 38. The storage device 38 may be a single storage device or may be multiple storage devices. Furthermore, the storage device 38 may be a solid state storage system, a magnetic storage system, an optical storage system or any other suitable storage system or device. It is understood that the storage device 38 is adapted to store the instruction set 36. In certain embodiments, data retrieved from at least one of the user tracking devices 14, 16 and the object tracking devices 24, 26, 28 is stored in the storage device 38. It is further understood that certain known parameters may be stored in the storage device 38 to be retrieved by the processor 32.

As a further non-limiting example, the processor 32 includes a programmable device or component 40. It is understood that the programmable device or component 40 may be in communication with any other component of the system 10 such as the user tracking devices 14, 16 and the object tracking devices 24, 26, 28, for example. In certain embodiments, the programmable component 40 is adapted to manage and control processing functions of the processor 32. Specifically, the programmable component 40 is adapted to control the analysis of the data signals (e.g. sensor signal generated by the user tracking devices 14, 16) received by the processor 32. It is understood that the programmable component 40 may be adapted to store data and information in the storage device 38, and retrieve data and information from the storage device 38. In certain embodiments, the programmable component includes a human machine interface to allow the user to directly control certain functions of the system 10.

In operation, the user tracking devices 14, 16 work in concert such that a collective field of view of the user tracking devices 14, 16 covers the entire field of activity 34 where user activity is expected to occur. As the user enters the field of view of each of the user tracking devices 14, 16, a plurality of time synchronized images or representations are captured. Each of the synchronized images captures at least a portion of a body of the user, in particular the upper body. The images are processed (e.g. binarization, thresholding, and the like) to produce “blob” shapes representing a shape of the user, as appreciated by one skilled in the art of image processing. The blob shapes are analyzed for features such as a head, a torso, and arms by determining blob extremities and applying pre-determined criteria rules of size and shape.

As a non-limiting example, a center of mass calculation is performed on the blob extremities to match a pre-determined “head” criterion. In certain embodiments a head center of mass position is determined in a plurality of images (one from each user tracking devices 14, 16), and a three dimensional position is subsequently determined by a geometrical analysis of an intersecting ray location from each of the user tracking devices 14, 16. It is understood that a three dimensional position can be determined for any portion of the body of the user. It is further understood that a reference location of each of the user tracking devices 14, 16 relative to the projector screen 12 is predetermined by calibrating to a reference marker during a setup of the system 10.

Once the user tracking devices 14, 16 have acquired the head position of the user, the processor 32 and the user tracking devices 14, 16 cooperate to perform real-time tracking of the head position. Specifically, the user tracking devices 14, 16 transmit positional information to the processor 32 in real-time via the sensor signal. However, it is understood that a periodic transfer of positional information may be used.

The processor 32 determines a position of a virtual camera 42 corresponding to the known player location and a known size of the projector screen 12. The virtual camera 42 is oriented and directed at a reference look-at-point 44. As a non-limiting example, the reference look-at-point 44 is substantially equivalent to a position of the virtual camera 42 plus a distance of the head of the user to the projector screen 12. A field of view of the virtual camera 42 is maintained as a position of the virtual camera 42 is translated and rotated relative to the reference look-at-point 44. The relative motion of the virtual camera 42 produces an effective rotation of a point of view of the virtual camera 42 about the reference look-at-point 44 as the user moves in the field of activity 34. Specifically, as a position of a head of the user moves left-to-right, the virtual camera 42 translates a corresponding left or right distance, and rotates slightly toward the reference look-at-point 44. As the user moves to or away from the display screen 12, the virtual camera 42 is translated through the projected image in the direction of the movement of the user. As the user raises or lowers his/her head, the virtual camera 42 is translated up or down a corresponding amount while rotating slightly toward the reference look-at-point 44.

It is understood that in a conventional simulator environment, one or more projectors display a “virtual world” on one or more screens such that the user feels immersed in the virtual environment. A common frame of reference between the virtual world and the physical world must be identified as the point of view, or position of the virtual camera 42. For example, in a golf simulator environment the expected action location on the hitting mat, from where the golf ball is hit, is the common frame of reference. In the present invention, to achieve the feel of three dimensional (3D) simulation, the position of the virtual camera 42 is adjusted in real-time to match the head position of the user as the user moves. In certain embodiments, the processor 32 receives head location updates at a rate of at least 60 Hz with smaller than one frame latency so that the movement of the virtual camera 42 can track the physical head position of the user without a lag.

A critical feature of the current invention is related to the movement of the point of perspective from some arbitrary location to that of a newly acquired position of the user. In a multiple participant mode, the image projected on the display screen 12 may change to a splash screen image displaying a name of the “active” user (i.e. next user to enter the simulator field of activity 34). Once a user is acquired and tracking, the screen image changes to the position-rectified scene for a position of the virtual camera 42 associated with a head position of the “active” user.

In certain embodiments, the simulator system 10 is adapted to track one or more users outside the simulator field of activity 34. Such multi-user tracking can be accomplished by the user tracking devices 14, 16 or a separate tracking system, such that as a user becomes “active”, the simulator system 10 begins displaying an image representing the scene relative to a position of the “active” user. Therefore, as the “active” user approaches the field of activity 34, the scene represented by the image on the display screen 12 is already rectified to the position of the “active” user.

Further, the initial position of the virtual camera 42 may be set at a default location relative to the field of activity 34 and translated or faded to a location of a head of a new user when the new user is tracked at entrance into the field of activity 34.

In a multiple player application a set of images projected on the display screen 12 is rectified to a point of view of a specific individual user. As a non-limiting example, a unique virtual camera view can be presented to each of the users (e.g. using cross-polarized glasses, or images strobed in sequence with individual shutter glasses with matching time stamp).

In many sports activities, a critical characteristic of performance ability is related to accurate judgment of distance. The present invention allows for a more realistic presentation of depth in the virtual world displayed to the user by providing relative motion cues that are typically used in real world environments when judging mid- and far-field distances. The simulator system 10 and method enhances a realistic feel of the simulator environment and allows coaching, training, and play to occur with visual stimulus unavailable in typical projection sports simulators.

In addition, in certain sporting activities, obstacles to the play may occur. For example, far into the rough in a golf event, one may encounter trees or shrubs. Using the simulator system 10 according to the present invention, a participant may move his head or step to one side, to see around the virtual obstacle image. In current state of the art simulators without head tracking, this is not possible.

Further, in certain sport activities, such as golf, accurate judgment of terrain contour is critical to successful training and performance. This is not realistically possible in simulators where real-time motion interaction with the virtual world is not obtained. However, activities such as kneeling and moving aside which is a common practice on golf greens, for example, are sensed by the simulator system 10 to provide terrain variations and an enhanced perception of depth from the perspective of the user.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

1. A simulator system comprising: a user tracking device for detecting a position of a user and generating a sensor signal representing the position of the user; a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and generating an image signal in response to the analysis of the sensor signal, wherein the analyzing of the sensor signal includes determining a position of a virtual camera corresponding to the position of the user, the virtual camera being directed toward a reference look-at-point; and a image generating device for receiving the image signal and generating an image in response to the image signal, wherein the image is modified in response to the position and an orientation of the virtual camera relative to the reference look-at-point.
 2. The simulator system according to claim 1, wherein the user tracking device detects a position of a particular body part of the user and the image is modified in response to a change in the position of the particular body part.
 3. The simulator system according to claim 1, wherein the image generating device is a projector.
 4. The simulator system according to claim 1, further comprising an object tracking device for tracking a motion of an object interacting with the user.
 5. The simulator system according to claim 1, wherein a motion of the user relative to the user tracking device produces a translation of a point of view of the virtual camera relative to the look-at-point and a rotation of the point of view of the virtual camera about the look-at-point.
 6. A simulator system comprising: a plurality of user tracking devices arranged to track a position of a user and generate a sensor signal representing the position of the user; a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and generating an image signal in response to the analysis of the sensor signal, wherein the analyzing of the sensor signal includes determining a position of a virtual camera corresponding to the position of the user, the virtual camera being directed toward a reference look-at-point; and a image generating device for receiving the image signal and generating an image in response to the image signal, wherein the image is modified in response to a change in at least one of the position and an orientation of the virtual camera relative to the reference look-at-point.
 7. The simulator system according to claim 1, wherein the user tracking device detects a position of a particular body part of the user and the image is modified in response to a change in the position of the particular body part.
 8. The simulator system according to claim 1, wherein the image generating device is a projector.
 9. The simulator system according to claim 1, wherein each of the user tracking devices is a camera and each of the user tracking devices captures a time synchronized image of the user, and wherein the images are transmitted to the processor via the sensor signal.
 10. The simulator system according to claim 9, wherein the processor performs an image processing of the time synchronized images to produce a blob shape representing at least a portion of a body of the user.
 11. The simulator system according to claim 10, wherein the processor compares the blob shape to a pre-defined criterion for a particular body feature to determine at least one of a position and orientation of the at least a portion of the body of the user relative to the user tracking devices.
 12. The simulator system according to claim 10, wherein the processor analyzes the blob shape to determine a center of mass thereof, wherein the blob shape and center of mass are compared to a pre-defined criterion for a plurality of body features to match the blob shape to one of the body features.
 13. The simulator system according to claim 10, wherein a three dimensional position of the blob shape is determined by a geometrical analysis of an intersecting ray from each of the user tracking devices.
 14. The simulator system according to claim 6, wherein a motion of the user relative to the user tracking devices produces a translation of a point of view of the virtual camera relative to the look-at-point and a rotation of the point of view of the virtual camera about the look-at-point.
 15. A method for providing an enhanced depth perception to a user of a simulator, the method comprising the steps of: providing a user tracking device to detect a position of a user and generate a sensor signal representing the position of the user; analyzing the sensor signal to determine a position of a virtual camera corresponding to the position of the user, the virtual camera being directed toward a reference look-at-point; and generating an image in response to the analysis of the sensor signal, wherein the image is modified in response to a change in at least one of the position and an orientation of the virtual camera relative to the reference look-at-point.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the user tracking device detects a position of a particular body part of the user and the image is modified in response to a change in the position of the particular body part.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the user tracking device includes a plurality of cameras, each of the cameras capturing a time synchronized image of the user and transmitting the images to the processor via the sensor signal.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of analyzing the sensor signal includes an image processing of the time synchronized images to produce a blob shape representing at least a portion of a body of the user.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of analyzing the sensor signal includes determining a three dimensional position of the blob shape by a geometrical analysis of an intersecting ray from each of the cameras of the user tracking device.
 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein a motion of the user relative to the user tracking device produces at least one of a translation of a point of view of the virtual camera relative to the look-at-point and a rotation of the point of view of the virtual camera about the look-at-point. 